Tel Aviv

By paffy on May 15, 2013 Category: Pics, Travel

Why Go: While Jerusalem may be the old city, Tel Aviv is the trendy new one. Sitting along the Mediterranean, Tel Aviv boasts a broad, sun-drenched shoreline that lures both locals and travelers. And once the sun goes down, a pulsating nightlife erupts across the city. Foreign visitors savor the mouth-watering cuisine found at intimate eateries or street carts. Take your time with this metropolis: There's a lot to surprise you.




Hanging on the Beach







Old Jaffa Marina




Old Jaffa Street





Biking on the boardwalk



Best Things to Do in Tel Aviv

Amateur historians generally rebuff Tel Aviv's high-rises in favor of Jerusalem's ancient monuments. But don't dismiss TA too hastily: Amid sun-soaked beaches and a thumping bar scene, you'll find several significant attractions. Spend a few hours roaming the cobbled streets of Jaffa. Meanwhile, the creamy walls of the White City stand as tribute to the Jewish architects who fled Nazi Germany. Tel Aviv's collection of world-class museums, including the renowned Diaspora Museum, provides the information you need to make the most out of your neighborhood wanderings. But make sure to allot yourself some downtime. A nap on Gordon-Frishman Beach or a bike ride along the Tayelet will help you become acquainted with Tel Aviv's fun-loving personality.





The Tayelet


It's easy to see why walking and biking are the preferred modes of transportation here: With a three-mile-long beachside boardwalk to cruise, taking a taxi or a bus just feels like a missed opportunity. Tel Aviv's Tayelet—a pedestrian-only street—runs along the Mediterranean from the Old Tel Aviv Port to Jaffa, offering bikers and strollers spectacular views of the sea. On the inland side, the Tayelet grants easy access to Tel Aviv's prime hotel areas, as well as numerous restaurants and nightlife venues. On the other side of the promenade, you'll find sugary sands like those of Gordon-Frishman Beach. One TripAdvisoruser describes the Tayelet as "Probably the best attraction Tel Aviv can offer."



Neve Tzedek



Sitting about halfway between downtown Tel Aviv and Jaffa is Neve Tzedek, one of Tel Aviv's original settlements. Comprised of beautifully restored houses, boutique shops, thriving cafés, and trendy art galleries, this neighborhood is undeniably one of the city's most beautiful parts. Recent visitors describe Neve Tzedek as Tel Aviv's SoHo. According to one TripAdvisor user, "Every year it gets better and better. There are more cafes and restaurants, more shops and boutiques—the only downside is that it is attracting ever more tourists."



Jaffa


 This ancient city located just south of Tel Aviv can trace its roots back to the Bible. Jaffa is said to have been named for Noah's son, Japhet, who constructed the beautiful city walls and winding corridors after the Flood. And it is from here that Jonah embarked on his adventure with the whale. This once thriving port has played host to the Roman and Ottoman civilizations. Steeping the area even further in lore, Apostle Peter performed miracles here, and later Richard the Lionheart and Napoleon both laid claim to it. Jaffa is also the city from where the founders of Tel Aviv originated.

Old Tel Aviv Port


 From the 1930s to the 1960s, the Old Tel Aviv Port acted as Israel's primary gateway to the sea. Day in and day out, ships brought merchandise to Israel's shores from all over the Mediterranean, as Israeli exports increased. Since the port closed in the '60s, major revitalization efforts have turned this area into one of the most exciting entertainment districts. Today, the wooden docks support cozy cafés, trendy shops, delectable restaurants, and seaside bars. As one TripAdvisor user puts it, "[If] you have a free evening in Tel Aviv and [you're] looking for a good dinner and atmosphere - The Old Port is it."

Gordon-Frishman Beach


Flanking one of Tel Aviv's most popular hotel areas, Gordon-Frishman Beach boasts powdery sands and fantastic Mediterranean views. Because of its convenient location—just south of the Tel Aviv Marina and within walking distance of restaurants and cafés—Gordon-Frishman Beach is almost always laden with sunbathers and swimmers. When the Mediterranean's strong current kicks in, you can cool off at the beach's swimming pool. But for most Tel Aviv residents, Gordon-Frishman Beach is a prime spot for skilled volleyball players. According to one IgoUgo user, "This is the place to gather for beach volleyball, but be careful, you must be good enough to play, or you won't get a spot on the net!"


Tel Aviv Art Museum


The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is one of Israel's premier artistic institutions, housing works from the 16th century up to the present. Boasting drawings, paintings, sculptures, and photography, this museum exhibits pieces from both local and international artists. Since 1932—when the museum was founded by Tel Aviv's first mayor—the museum has been welcoming art aficionados who have come to admire the Matisses and Streichmans. For many visitors, the building's striking architecture enhances a museum tour. According to one TripAdvisoruser, "The new building and modern art wing is a stunning design and excellent environment to view the latest Israeli art and also some contemporary greats from around the world."

Nahalat Binyamin Market



Every Tuesday and Friday, the Nahalat Benyamin Pedestrian Mall in downtown Tel Aviv is taken over by dozens of outdoor stalls, displaying everything from glassware to jewelry to local crafts. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this already popular shopping district overflows with browsers and buyers looking for the perfect souvenir. According to one TripAdvisoruser, "You can find almost anything along this great pedestrian shopping mall. Friendly smiles and tasty snacks also make this a great walking tour."

Carmel Market (Shuk Ha'Carmel)





Sandwiched between Allenby Street to the north and HaKovshim Park to the south, the buzzing Carmel Market is the largest open-air marketplace in the city. Here, crowds converge on stalls that sell everything from colorful spices to knock-off sunglasses. This is a great place to stop for picnic supplies before heading to the beach; fresh fruit stands and sacks of pistachios are sure to satisfy snack-time.
Within a few minutes of exploration, you'll be engulfed by the hustle and bustle of Carmel. Various vendors try to serenade you with songs of pricing and claims about their merchandise. According to oneTripAdvisor user, "Go early for best selection and maximum intensity."




Best Times to Visit Tel Aviv

The best times to visit Tel Aviv are March through April and September through November. Spring and fall mark this city's "sweet" tourism spots, boasting pleasant temperatures and affordable prices. Despite intense heat, most travelers head to Tel Aviv during the summer months, determined to return home with a tan. Between May and August, expect inflated prices. The winter months also see a spike in tourism as travelers from northern countries (particularly in Europe) come to thaw.